The diverse and complementary imaging and spectroscopic capabilities at the APS, CNM, and EMC provide unique tools to probe the highly complex interactions between biological systems and their environment. This workshop highlights cutting-edge applications of multiple spectroscopic and imaging approaches to examine biological systems in the context of both environmental processes. This could include, for example, microbial respiration on insoluble electron acceptors, microbial interactions with and transformations of contaminants, biofilm development, and biomineralization processes, among others. The workshop also is expected to feature intrinsic and direct interactions with the environment such as interactions with and uptake of contaminants, phytoremediation, etc.